Spring is a great season to check up on the parts of your home that have been neglected during the winter season. It’s usually best to work with professionals, especially if you have materials like stucco that need special attention. But of course, you can do a quick check of the main areas by yourself. This way, you can have a general idea of the current condition of your home before getting experts on board.
In this post, Precision #1 Contractors Inc. lists the tasks that you should include in your home maintenance checklist for spring.
Exterior
Chimney
For masonry chimneys, you should particularly look at the joints between bricks or stones. Also, see if some bricks or stones have fallen out or if vegetation has grown out of them. These are usually symptoms of water infiltration, so you should definitely have your chimney checked out by an expert.
You should also look out for efflorescence, a white calcium-like deposit that indicates the masonry joints have lost their ability to repel water. This can be fixed by resealing masonry using a clear and water-resistant barrier material.
Roof
You don’t have to climb up to your roof for this. You can simply use a pair of binoculars to spot some problems. Look out for any shingle shift as this could mean some fasteners have failed and need replacing. Cracked or missing shingles are also a red flag, so you should take note of those things before calling roofing contractors.
Gutters
Clean your gutters and make sure to get rid of all leaves and debris. If you still have not installed gutter covers, you might want to consider adding them for extra protection. Gutter guards are effective in keeping leaves and debris out of your gutters and downspouts, making gutter cleaning an easier job.
Don’t forget to check your gutters for damage as well. Watch out particularly for sagging and holes. Sometimes sagging can be fixed by simply reattaching the gutters. But for cases that are already beyond repair, consider gutter replacement. For holes, you can caulk them as a remedy.
Exterior Walls
Look for trouble spots on your siding, and pay close attention to areas under the eaves and near gutter downspouts. If you notice water stains on your siding, these are usually the result of gutters that are no longer able to adequately contain roof runoff.
Apart from water stains, you should also check your siding for openings or damaged areas where insects and critters may nest in.
Deck
You’ll be spending more time in your deck during the warmer months, so you should inspect it for water stains, warping, and discoloration. Have a look at the nails too and make sure there are no loose or rusty ones that could pose danger. Your stairs and railings should be secure as well. And if you have rotting or lifting boards, replace them ASAP.
Woodwork
Fences, rails, trellises and other wood features in your exterior should be repaired and resealed. Wood structures are prone to rot and decay, so you have to be diligent in maintaining them.
If you have wooden fencing, you should check the panels and repair any damaged ones. For minor damage, you can glue the broken or split pieces back together if the wood is dry. But if the damage is already too severe, it’s best to replace the affected planks instead.
Sprinklers and Outside Faucets
Do a test run of your sprinklers. You’d want to keep an eye out for leaks and malfunctioning sprinkler heads. Furthermore, you should make sure the sprinklers are positioned correctly, watering your grass and not your porches or sidewalks.
You should also give your outside faucets a test run. And while they are running, place a finger on the opening and observe the flow of water. If the water stops, you might have to call a professional to check on your pipes.
Lawn and Landscaping
Tend to your lawn by clearing the landscaping and trimming overgrowth. You should also tidy up the flowerbeds and fertilize the soil. Spring is a good season to spruce up your landscaping, and you might want to hire an expert to ensure the best care and landscape design.
Interior
General Cleaning
Schedule a general cleaning session. Dust or vacuum the areas that have been neglected in the past months including chair rails, ceiling fans, window casings, and the tops of cabinets. Wash or dry clean fabric draperies, and use a damp cloth to clean vinyl and wooden blinds. For mattresses and upholstered furniture, have them vacuumed or rent a carpet cleaner. If you have the budget, hire a professional to ensure that dust mites and allergens are completely removed.
In the kitchen, make sure to get rid of grease residue by washing the backsplashes, cabinets, and walls. You can use warm water and mild detergent for this. The same can be done in cleaning soap residue in the bathroom. Look out for mold and mildew since the fluctuating heat and humidity in this room creates the perfect environment for mold growth. Don’t forget to clean your tiles as well. If there is worn or missing grout, have it repaired immediately to avoid serious water damage.
Air Conditioning
Make sure that your air conditioning units are in good shape. You’ll be needing them in the warmer months, so they should be in perfect working order. Find out if there are leaks in the hose connections and if the drain pans are draining properly. You should also replace the filter and vacuum any dust that has settled on the unit.
Attic and Basement
Attic and basements are prone to molds and insects. In the attic, you should watch out for gray or black blotches as well as any indications that insects and critters have colonized. To prevent mold growth in the attic, space should be properly insulated and ventilated.
In the basement, you should check for dampness as this suggests high humidity and inadequate ventilation. You should also inspect the base of poured-concrete walls. Cracks usually start from the bottom up. So if there is water infiltration, they will show at the bottom of those cracks.
Leaks
Check for leaky faucets, sweaty pipes, and clogged drains. It’s best to have a plumber inspect these parts for you. They can also make sure the connections on pipes and hoses are sealed properly. Apart from your kitchen and bathroom, don’t forget to include your laundry room in the routine checks too. Check your washer machine hoses for dampness, cracks, and bulges. For water heaters, look for signs of corrosion and leaks.
Precision #1 Contractors Inc. specializes in roofing, siding, and stone veneer installation. We have over 15 years of industry experience, so you can count on us for top-notch workmanship. We also offer other services such as stucco remediation, shutters and ventilation, and windows and skylights. Call us at (215) 364-5115 or fill out our contact form to request a quote.